2005-2006 Picks

Top-Ranked Gators Claim First Hoops Title

A Florida team that started four sophomores and a junior grew up in a hurry as the Gators capped a strong run in the NCAAs with a 73-57 domination of UCLA in the championship game to claim their first NCAA basketball title. Behind the inspired play of tournament MVP Joakim Noah and fellow big man Al Horford, the Gators put together a drive that moved them from No. 7 in the final Dunkel Index regular season rankings to No. 1 overall. UCLA’s defeat was the only blemish in what had been a strong finish for Ben Howland’s club as the Bruins jumped from No. 3 to No. 2. The Cinderella of the tournament was George Mason, which became the first mid-major to reach the Final Four. The Patriots enjoyed a huge bounce in the Index, moving all the way from No. 77 to No. 18. Here are the final rankings for the 2005-06 college basketball season.